Energy Model Input Translator (EMIT)

EMIT is a compilation of spreadsheet-based calculators developed in response to the need for tools that help building professionals translate design data and code requirements into typical energy model inputs. Download the EMIT User Guide

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Model Manager

The RMI Model Manager is an Excel-based tool that accesses eQUEST batch processing capabilities as well as results extraction functions. Model Manager was developed to support best-practices energy modeling procedures. Download the User Guide

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Features

Works with a base project input file that has been created through the eQUEST interface.

Permits the user to specify run parameter values through a spreadsheet, which allows multiple runs to be simulated from a single input file much like the parametric feature within eQUEST.

Allows side-by-side comparison of parameter values for each simulation run.

DOE-2 “include” files and “macro” commands can be incorporated, providing more flexibility and allowing complexity when using one input file for modeling multiple building design options.

Files for Download

This version offers an example of modeling a large office building. Files include:

Two model manager Excel files

Two project eQUEST files (*.pd2 and *.inp)

A results Excel spreadsheet file

A text file of BDL code for a minimally-compliant ASRHAE 90.1-2007 for a large office in New York City.

LCCAid

LCCAid is an Excel-based tool designed to make Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) easier for architects, engineers and other building design and construction professionals who do not have extensive financial backgrounds.

The tool guides the user through each step necessary to complete an LCCA. This analysis tool is intended to comply with all government standards for LCCA, including NIST Handbook 135 and its 2009 supplement; CFR Title 10 Part 436; and OMB Circular No. 11-A Part 7. Download the LCCAid User Guide

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*Note, registration is required. Once registered, we will send you an e-mail whenever the tools are updated or new tools are added.

Elements

Annual weather data is a critical input for building energy modeling and climate specific analysis. There is no freely available, comprehensive, integrated software tool suitable for solving all of the common weather tasks associated with building energy modeling.To address this need, Big Ladder Software and RMI are developing a comprehensive, format neutral weather application that can:

Notes

Many of these tools have been developed using Microsoft Excel and Excel must be installed on your computer to run the tools. Excel based tools are compatible with Excel 97-2003, and must be saved in this format to preserve complete functionality.

RMI is interested in maintaining and improving the tools such that they benefit as many users as possible. Please provide feedback via the following surveys:

BEM Library Office Benchmarks - Rules-of-thumb benchmark values for key metrics indicating office building performance efficiency. The table was developed by RMI as part of the Building Energy Modeling (BEM) Library - a DOE-supported project for documenting modeling best practices The BEM Library is expected to come online in 2014.

Waltz Building Performance Metrics - Redistributed by permission from James Waltz, this list shows common building performance metrics and a range of typical values based on his extensive experience in auditing and modeling.